Boy has big heart
When Plimmerton School boy Max Weinstein was given a homework challenge to raise $30 for charity this term, the concept was nothing new.
For five years, 9-year-old Max has been spending half his pocket money buying children’s gifts for the Women’s Refuge.
He puts together the gift packs himself, which contain an activity book, small toys, pens and lollies. He’s given 110 of the goody bags away since he was 4, and particularly rates the ones containing a spinning top. He reckons the packs will brighten children’s lives.
‘‘ I think they’ll be pretty happy.’’
He added a dozen more packs to the list last week after setting up a stall at the KapiMana News kids’ market on March 23. He promised to match every dollar donated, and gave the gifts and a $ 35 cheque to Te Whare Tiaki Wahine Refuge Trust last Wednesday afternoon.
In previous years Max has saved up his $2-a-week pocket money all year. Half has gone to making the charity packs and half for his own Lego fix. Max recently got a pocket money rise to $5 a week, and he works hard for it: his jobs include walking and feeding his dog, watering the garden and taking out rubbish bags.
Mum Elaina said she prompted Max’s philanthropic ways when he was 4, but he has embraced charity wholeheartedly. ‘‘Max wanted to buy something lovely with his pocket money, and we said he could if he gave half away,’’ Mrs Weinstein said.
‘‘Max gets a real sense of pride from giving and feels that this way he can make a difference, even in a small way.’’
Refuge social worker Yvonne Denny was delighted with Max’s donation.
‘‘This is a treat for us. It’s probably more special because it’s from Max,’’ she said.